Food & Wine

Cape Town, South Africa, 2024 – The culinary stage is set, and the anticipation is palpable as the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy reveals the finalists for the 2024-25 global competition. This prestigious event aims to discover and nurture the brightest young culinary talents under 30 from around the globe.

After a rigorous selection process, 165 young chefs have emerged from thousands of applicants, each bringing their own innovative vision for the future of gastronomy. These chefs will now face off in a series of Regional Finals, showcasing their skills, creativity, and deep-seated passion for culinary excellence.

The Journey So Far: Every finalist’s journey began with the submission of their signature dish, each evaluated by culinary masters at ALMA, the world-renowned International Educational and Training Centre for Italian Cuisine. The selection was based on three pivotal criteria: technical expertise, creative flair, and a conviction in the power of gastronomy to drive positive change in society.

Matteo Berti, Head of Education at ALMA, expressed his admiration for the contestants: “Every edition of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition brings forth a new level of passion and innovation. The dedication of these young chefs is truly inspiring, and we are excited to see them shine as they move forward in the competition. Best of luck to all!”

Regional Finals: The Next Step From September 2024 to January 2025, these talented chefs will compete in 15 regional finals worldwide. In Cape Town, the Africa, Middle East & South Asia regional final will be held in November, where the chefs will present their signature dishes to an esteemed jury. This year’s jury includes renowned chefs Bertus Basson from South Africa, Akmal Anuar from the UAE, and Roaya Saleh from Bahrain, who will evaluate the dishes across four award categories:

1. S.Pellegrino Young Chef Award: Local juries will assess each dish against the “Golden Rules” of technical skill, creativity, and the chef’s personal belief in the transformative power of gastronomy.

2. S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award: The Sustainable Restaurant Association, through its Food Made Good program, will honor the dish that best embodies socially responsible practices, emphasizing ethical sourcing and sustainability.

3. Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award: This award celebrates the dish that best represents the chef’s cultural heritage, blending tradition with modern innovation to bridge the past and future of gastronomy.

4. Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award: Voted by Fine Dining Lovers readers, this award recognizes the chef who best expresses their culinary philosophy through their signature dish.

Meet the Finalists from Africa, Middle East & South Asia:

• Robin Höfer – Ossiano, Dubai, UAE
• Shehab Medhat – Bold Restaurant, Accra, Ghana
• Zanté Neethling – Beyond Restaurant, Cape Town, South Africa
• Stefano Maffioli Ferrari – Four Seasons Hotel at Nile Plaza, Riviera Restaurant, Cairo, Egypt
• David Mazareanu – Al Muntaha, Dubai, UAE
• Babilesh Rajan – Farmlore, Bengaluru, India
• Jason Jonker – Upper Union, Cape Town, South Africa
• Monaheng Moloinyane – Badinage Restaurant, Pretoria, South Africa
• Florian Guckert – Villa Fleurié, Saint-Denis, Réunion Island
• Luckson Mare – The Living Room at Summerhill Estate, Durban, South Africa
• Guillaume Caroupaye-Caroupin – Hotel le Tuit-tuit, Réunion Island
• Mahmoud Ali – Bold Restaurant, Accra, Ghana
• Chiara Romualdi – The Arts Club, Dubai, UAE
• Marilé du Plessis – Rust en Vrede, Cape Town, South Africa
• Kadek Bayu Darmika – Row On 45, Jason Artheton, Dubai, UAE

As these young chefs prepare to showcase their talents, they represent not only their own ambitions but also the rich culinary traditions and future possibilities of their regions. The winners of the regional finals will advance to the Grand Finale in 2025, where they will compete for the ultimate title.

For the full list of global finalists and more information about this inspiring initiative, visit S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy.

Meet the Local Jury for Africa, Middle East & South Asia in the Sixth Edition of S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25
The sixth edition of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy competition has begun, and anticipation is building for the regional finals. This prestigious event, aimed at discovering and nurturing the world’s most talented young chefs, features a new panel of esteemed judges from Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. This year, the jury includes Bertus Basson from South Africa, Roaya Saleh from Bahrain, and Akmal Anuar from Dubai. These culinary luminaries will be evaluating the dishes presented by young chef finalists in Cape Town later this year.

Bertus Basson
Bertus Basson, a celebrated South African chef, is renowned for his award-winning restaurants in Stellenbosch and the Cape Winelands, such as Eike, Spek en Bone, and Geuwels. Known for his traditional South African food with a contemporary twist, Basson brings a wealth of experience to the jury. He was named Eat Out S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna Chef of the Year in 2019. As a juror, Basson emphasizes the importance of seasonal flavors and authentic cooking. He looks for chefs who are organized, methodical, and technically skilled. Basson is excited to see how young chefs will showcase their heritage and culture through their dishes, highlighting the distinct and recognizable cuisines of their regions.

Roaya Saleh
Roaya Saleh, a self-taught chef and pioneer in the Bahrain dining scene, is on a mission to share Khaleeji and Bahraini cuisine with the world. Her restaurant, Villa Mamas, blends influences from Iran, India, and Europe with nostalgic flavors from her childhood. This successful approach has led to Villa Mamas opening locations in London, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh. Saleh is looking for chefs who demonstrate passion and a deep understanding of working with produce. She believes in the importance of mentoring young chefs, helping them to become better than their predecessors. Saleh is eager to hear the stories of young talents and see their potential come through in their dishes.

Akmal Anuar
Akmal Anuar, raised by street vendor parents in Singapore, has risen through the culinary ranks to become the head of multiple award-winning restaurants in Singapore, the Middle East, Europe, and the USA. He is the chef-proprietor of White Rice, a company specializing in bespoke food-centric experiences. His portfolio includes MENA’s 50 Best and Michelin-starred 11 Woodfire, as well as Michelin Bib Gourmand Japanese restaurants Goldfish and OTORO. Anuar values originality, taste, and philosophy in cooking. He seeks precision and craft in simplicity and is excited to see young chefs push their creativity and present something new and unique. This is his first time participating in the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition, and he looks forward to the collaboration and innovation it fosters.

For more information, visit the official website: S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy.